Concerned onlookers have accused landowners of failing to take action after two abandoned foals died in a field.

Fly grazing horses have become a major problem in the fields off Grovebury Road, owned by the Church Commissioners.

Dead foals, Grovebury Road, Leighton Buzzard

In January, eight horses were rescued by the RSPCA and other charities after five animals had died from parasites in the soil.

On Tuesday, April 14, a foal was born in Mentmore Gardens Field and monitored by a local horse owner. The foal died during the night.

A second foal was found dead in Brown’s field on Saturday, April 18. It was removed by RSPCA inspectors yesterday.

One resident told the LBO: “We are now getting fed up of this state of affairs and cruelty.

Dead foal, Grovebury Road, Leighton Buzzard

“I think a lot of people wish to see more action taken for the horses and bringing the people responsible to justice.”

Another resident added: “We are becoming increasingly desperate as the authorities who should be stepping in to resolve this problem – namely the Church Commissioners as landowners, and the RSPCA – are either procrastinating or in complete denial.”

A spokesman for the RSPCA said: “Our officers visit the area on an almost daily basis and have taken independent vets along. They attended the location and found a chestnut colt, as well as the body of a newborn foal. The RSPCA removed the body of the foal, even though this is not the charity’s responsibility.

“We continue to have concerns about horses on fields in this area, but we can only act within the law.”

Responding to the accusations, the Church Commissioners issued the following statement: “As responsible landowners, we continue to liaise regularly with the RSPCA as this situation changes day to day.

“We are committed to doing our best while bound by the legislation and processes that govern the protection of horses on the land.”